Fireworks have been banned in Ridgefield and La Center because of increasingly hot weather and dangerous fire conditions, according to a statement from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, and fireworks use is being discouraged around the county.
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, in consultation with the cities of La Center and Ridgefield, have made the decision to ban the use of fireworks this year, the agency said in the statement. The hot weather and dry vegetation substantially increase the risk to people and property from fireworks. In areas not impacted by the ban, the district is asking residents to avoid fireworks this year.
Forecasts are predicting triple-digit heat for the next few days, increasing the fire danger from fireworks, campfires, discarded cigarettes and other fire hazards. A burn ban is already in place in Clark County.
“Please celebrate Independence Day this year with friends and family, but without fireworks.” said Fire Chief John Nohr. “The threat of fireworks accidentally igniting a catastrophic fire this year is just too high to allow the use of fireworks.”
